With Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons’ contract expiring at the end of the 2025 campaign, speculation has begun around his next deal. The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is projected to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league when pen hits paper. However, the less-than-encouraging negotiations so far have prompted some to worry whether the superstar will end up back in Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys Social Media Confirms Micah Parsons’ Attendance
On Monday, April 14, during an offseason workout, the Cowboys’ social media team stood outside the facility offering players worms and posted it on X. The lighthearted prank had most of the team turn them down unsurprisingly, including Parsons.
the early 'boy gets the worm 🪱 pic.twitter.com/4PPyd0D8Mr
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 14, 2025
The “early bird gets the worm” bit showed off some of the Cowboys’ stars who showed up for the offseason session. Notable names included Parsons, quarterback Dak Prescott, tight end Jake Ferguson, and running back Miles Sanders, among others.
Parsons didn’t seem impressed by the worm, opening the door and saying, “Oh **** no.”
Parsons and Playoff-Absent Cowboys Disappointing 2024 Campaign
Last year, the Cowboys missed the NFL postseason for the first time since 2020, largely due to issues on defense. While injuries piled up throughout the year, the unit’s performance left much to be desired.
Using PFSN’s NFL Defense+ metric, Dallas finished near the bottom of the league in 2024. Ranked 25th with a 69.5 (D+) grade, they did manage a stronger finish. Nevertheless, PFSN analyst Sterling Xie broke down the position that held the Cowboys back most in 2024.
“Dallas had at least one weak link at cornerback most of the season, with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland playing just one game together all year (Week 14). As a result, Dallas fell from eighth in EPA per dropback last season to 16th this season. Coupled with the second-worst run defense by EPA per rush, that explains the Cowboys’ descent into the bottom 10 defenses.”
Parsons had career lows in nearly every major defensive category. He also played in just 13 games, which was another career low. Even so, the former Penn State Nittany Lion recorded 12 sacks, 43 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection on the year.
Getting Parsons and the rest of the defense healthy will be key to bringing Dallas back to the promised land in 2025. Along with that, new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will bring a fresh voice to the room. The former Bears head coach served in Chicago for three seasons before accepting his new role in Dallas.